USA > Indiana > Rush County > History of Rush County, Indiana, from the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc., together with a short history of the Northwest, the Indiana territory, and the State of Indiana > Part 34
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80
38I
CENTER TOWNSHIP.
in Kentucky, and in the spring of 1828, located in the woods of Center Township, this county, where the remainder of his life was spent in usefulness and industry. He had visited this lo- cality in 1822, and entered the land that afterward became his home. Possessing a strong and splendid physique, he was enabled by unceasing toil and frugality to gain a competence that was more than enough to soften the asperities of declining years, and smooth the pathway to the tomb. In 1824, Matilda Hinds, also a native of Kentucky, became his wife. She bore him these five children: Francis I., Sarah J., Margaret E., Mary A. and Robert A. She departed this life in 1837, having been a devoted wife and mother and a consistent Christian. The second wife was Ann Hudelson, who became such in 1838. By her Mr. Hudelson was the father of two children, Lizzie and Henry. He was always foremost in his advocacy of whatever was for the good of society, and in him the public schools found an ardent supporter. In early life he was a Whig but with the downfall of that, he espoused the cause of the Republican party. He was Justice of the Peace, in Center Town- ship, for two terms, having been the first to fill that position in the township. In addition to this he served one term as Associate Judge of the county, under the old judiciary system, and was for three terms a member of the State Legislature. His death oc- curred October 18, 1879, an event that caused much gloom through- out the community in which he had for more than fifty years been an honored and respected citizen. His portrait is presented with this volume as a fitting representative of those early settlers who contributed so largely to raise Rush County to its present prosperity.
ROBERT A. HUDELSON, whose portrait appears elsewhere, is a prominent farmer of Center Township and a native of the same township, born March 3, 1834. He was the son of John M. and Matilda (Hinds) Hudelson, both of whom were natives of Ken- tucky, and the former of Millersburg, Bourbon Co., where he was born January 1, 1800. The latter was born in 1805. A sketch of the parents appears above. The subject of this sketch was reared upon the old Hudelson homestead in Center Township. He re- ceived in the district school a good common school education and one that enabled him to teach public school, which he did during four winters, or the winters included between the years 1861 and 1865. He was married December 29, 1864, to Nancy E. Barnes, who was born in Noble Township, this country March 9, 1839, being the daughter of Aaron and Ann (Laughlin) Barnes who were natives of Kentucky. Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hudelson settled upon the farm our subject now occupies, where they continued to enjoy life together, until their union was
382
RUSH COUNTY.
broken by the death of Mrs. Hudelson, on the 16th day of March, 1886. Mr. Hudelson is the father of six children: Ruby M., born November 22, 1865, died December 24, 1871; Anna Bruce, born March 7, 1868; Ella Kate, born June 12, 1870; Lurena, born February 15, 1873; Frank M., born January 22, 1878, and Bessie Barnes, born December 24, 1880. Mr. Hudelson is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and a Republican in politics. He has served his township as Justice of the Peace one term and has also served as a member of the Board of County Commissioners one term. He owns 190 acres of first class land, about 140 of which are in cultivation. His farm is fitted up with good buildings and is desirably located. He also possesses an interest in the old home place which amounts to about thirty acres.
BENJAMIN F. HUDELSON, a well-to-do farmer and prominent citizen of Center Township, was born in Spiceland Township, Henry Co., January 28, 1848. He was the son of William and Lucinda Hudelson, the former a native of Nicholas County, Ky., and the latter a native of Henry County, this state. He was reared upon a farm in his native county, and received in the district school, a good common school education. At twenty years of age he took up the avocation of a teacher, which furnished his winter's employ- ment for a period of six years. During the summer season, he worked upon a farm. He was married at the age of twenty-four, or October 31, 1872, to Miss Mary E. Allen, who was born in Madison, Jefferson County, Ind., July 31, 1849, being the daugh- ter of Eli and Eleanor Allen who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Hudelson entered upon their married life upon a farm in Center Township. Two years later, they removed to Henry County, where they resided upon a farm until in March, 1885, when they returned to Center Township and set- tled where they now live. The attention of Mr. Hudelson is given to farming though he has in connection with this pursuit accom- modated the public to a considerable extent in the capacity of an insurance agent. He and wife are the parents of four chil- dren as follows: Fred E., born September 17, 1873; Clara E., born February 22, 1876; Floy B., born December 2, 1878, and Allen F., born January 3, 1884, died September 4, 1885. In poli- tics, Mr. Hudelson is an ardent Republican. While not a political Prohibitionist, he is a strict temperance man and eschews the use of tobacco and intoxicants in every form. He owns a farm of 164 acres, about 140 of which are in cultivation. His convictions of ยท right, though positive, are honest and he does not believe in con- cealing the truth of whatever character it may be. He was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace in April, 1886, which reflects
1
yours truly R. A. Vondelson
385
CENTER TOWNSHIP.
very creditably upon his standing in the township, owing to the fact that it is strongly Democratic.
JONATHAN L. LORD, a prominent citizen of Center Township, was born in the State of Delaware, November 9, 1830, being the son of Andrew and Letitia (Reed) Lord, both of whom were also na- tives of Delaware, and both of English descent. His father died in Delaware. When he was about four years old, his mother re- moved to the State of Ohio, and settled in Belmont County, oppo- site Wheeling, W. Va. Some two or three years later she removed to Butler County, Ohio, and when he was about seven years old, his mother came to Rush County, and settled in Union Township. In 1842 the family emigrated to Clarke County, Mo., but not be- ing pleased with the country, they returned almost immediately to Rush County, and again settled in Union Township. A year later they removed to Fayette County, but returned to Rush County in a few years and settled in Noble Township. Later on they re- turned to Union Township, where our subject continued with his widowed mother until his marriage, which occurred February 25, 1857. The lady that became his wife was Miss Clara A. Scruggs, who was born in Fayette County, Ind., March 8, 1840, being the daughter of William and Magdalene (Esterly) Scruggs. Imme- diately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lord located in Center Township, residents of which they have been ever since. The life occupation of Mr. Lord has been farming, and in this connection he has been fairly successful. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. Lord is a Republican. He owns a handsome farm of II0 acres, which is fitted up with a handsome residence, and which is a very desirable location.
CHARLES H. LYONS, an industrious young farmer of Center Township, was born in Noble Township, this county, August II, 1853, being the son of Elijah and Amanda (Berkley) Lyons, both of whom were also natives of Noble Township, the former being the son of John W. and Amanda Lyons, and the latter being the daughter of John Berkley. His grandparents were, all early settlers of Rush County. He was reared upon a farm in his na- tive township, working with his father until his marriage. Florence A. Downey, daughter of Harrison and Ellen Downey, became his wife January 16, 18SI. She is also a native of Noble Township, born October 14, 1851. Her father and mother are natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Lyons entered upon their married life where they now live, where the former has ever since pursued the avocation of a farmer. He owns a first-class farm of 100 acres, about three-fourths of which is in a fine 9
386
RUSH COUNTY.
state of cultivation. He and wife are the parents of two children : Elsie and Nellie, both of whom are living.
JOHN W. MARTIN, merchant and grocer of Mays, was born in Chester County, Pa., February 16, 1837. He was the son of Major Benjamin L. and Sarah (Christman) Martin, who were also na- tives of Chester County, Pa. His father served as a Major during the late war. He was the son of John and Ruth Ann (Stevenson) Martin, who also were natives of Pennsylvania. When he was two years old his parents settled in Wayne County, this State, where our subject was reared and where his parents still reside. The father, B. L. Martin, served as Auditor of Wayne County, from 1853 to 1861, and during the greater part of that time our sub- ject was his deputy. In the meantime he had provided himself with a collegiate education, having spent six years in Whitewater College of Centerville. In IS61 he resigned the deputy auditor- ship to accept the position as deputy Secretary of State under Judge William A. Peelle. At the end of two years he entered the service of the Union Army and served in a creditable manner until the close of the war. On retiring from the service, he returned home and he was married in Aurora, this State, to Jennie J. Jones in the fall of IS66. She was born in Aurora, Ind., being the daugh- ter of Jonathan and Sophia Jones. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Martin went to Grenada, Miss., where he was engaged in mer- chandising two years. He then returned to Wayne County; Ind., and two years later he engaged in mercantile pursuits in Chester and Bethel, both of Wayne County. In about IS76 he entered the employ of the Maddux Bros. of Cincinnati as traveling salesman, in which capacity he continued three years. He then came to Rush County and engaged in merchandising in Raleigh, and also farm- ing in the vicinity of that place. He continued in this way six years. By this time his health was seriously impaired and he re- tired from business and spent one year recruiting it. February I, ISS7, he opened a general store in Mays, this county, to which his attention is now directed. He is the father of four children, Stella A., Inez S., Alice Blanche and Jessie, all living. Mrs. Martin is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Martin is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a Republican in politics. While a resi- dent of Wayne County he served as Justice of the Peace one term. He is an intelligent man with good business qualifications and a first class citizen. His father is also an ardent Republican and has represented Wayne County, this State, two terms in the State Legis- lature.
ELDER AARON H. MORRIS, Superintendent of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home, of Knightstown, is a native of Butler County,
1
387
CENTER TOWNSHIP.
Ohio, born March 13, 1846, being the son of John and Sarah (Rose) Morris, who were natives of Butler County, Ohio, and Union County, Ind., respectively. He was less than five years old when the hand of Death had deprived him of both father and mother, and at ten years of age he entered the home of his grandparents, Joseph and Kezia Morris, who resided in Oxford, Ohio. As soon as he became old enough he entered upon a course in the Oxford High School, and graduated from that institution at about sixteen years of age. In January, 1863, he entered upon a classical course in Miami University, and attended at that time one term. In June, 1863, he entered the service of the Union Army in Company K, Eighty-Sixth Ohio Volunteers, with which he served until the 14th of February, 1864, when his term of service expired. On the Ist day of May, 1864, he entered Company I, 167th Ohio Regiment, and served 100 days, when he received an honorable dis- charge. He participated in a number of engagements, in all of which he discharged his duties in a manner becoming a loyal sol- dier. On retiring from the service, he returned to Oxford, Ohio, and entered the Freshman Class of Miami University. There he pursued his classical studies for a period of four years, and gradu- ated with honors in July, 1868. In the fall of that year he took the position of High School Principal at Connersville, this State. In the fall of 1869 he took charge of an academy in Montgomery County, Ind., a position he retained one year. He then took charge of an academic school at Ladoga, of that county, where he re- mained between two and three years, when he removed to Wave- land, Montgomery County, and there became the pastor of the Christian Church. Three years later, or in January, 1875, he took charge of the Christian denomination at Noblesville, where he re- mained five years. This was followed by a one-year's pastorate at Tipton, after which he returned to Noblesville, and during the four years which followed, in connection with his min- isterial work, he performed the duties of County Superintend- ent of Hamilton County, to which office he was twice elected. In June. 1885, he retired from that office, and in August following, the Board of Trustees elected him Superintendent of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home, of Knightstown. Notwithstanding the grave responsibility imposed by this position, Mr. Morris has discharged his duties in a manner which reflects credit both to himself and the State. The Home is a magnificent structure, and one of the truly great institutions of the State, and the history of its management for the past few years is an eulogy upon all concerned. Our sub- ject was married September 9, 1869, to Miss Anna A. Harlan, who was born in Union County, Ind., November 25, 1847, being the
388
RUSH COUNTY.
daughter of George and Malinda (Stevens) Harlan. Their mar- riage has resulted in the birth of five children: John H., George G., Edith, Clifford and Harris P. S., all of whom are living. Mr. Mor- ris is a member of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. R. lodges, and has reached the Knight Templar's degree in Masonry. His political affiliations have always been with the Democratic party.
PHILIP D. PARKER, who for more than fifty years has been a resident of Center Township, and who is one of the substantial and prominent farmers of Rush County, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, April 21, 1818. He was the son of Benajah and Grace Parker, the former of whom was born in Northampton County, N. C., of English and Welsh descent, and the latter was born in Augusta County, Ga., of English and Irish descent. His father and mother came with their respective parents to Belmont County, Ohio, and there they became acquainted and were married in the year 1809. His paternal grandparents were Jacob and Rhoda Parker, who were natives of England and Wales, respectively. His grandfather, Jacob Parker, in his youth was apprenticed to a ship carpenter, but having no taste for that trade, he ran away, and putting his effects in a small wooden chest, he boarded a vessel and came to America, whither he arrived in time to participate in gun-boat building during the Revolutionary War, and thus loaned a helping hand to the striving colonists. He died in Belmont County, Ohio, in about the year 1828. That same old wooden chest is still an heirloom in the family, and is now in possession of the subject of this sketch. His wife, whose maiden name was Rhoda Draper, had preceded him, her death having occurred in about 1822. The maternal grandparents of our subject were William and Rachel Patton, who were respectively natives of Ireland and England. When the subject of this sketch was four years' old, his parents removed to Jefferson County, Ohio, where his boyhood was spent upon a farm. In 1836 he accompanied them to this State, and after a residence of a few months in the village of Raysville, Henry County, the family came to Rush County, and settled upon a farm in the northern part of Center Township, and two miles southeast of Knightstown. There our subject spent the rest of his youth and early manhood, assisting to clear and cultivate the farm. He has ever since continued to reside upon the same old homestead, his occupation being that of a farmer. He was married September II, 1851, to Miss Joanna Morris, who was born in Washington County, this State, October 9, 1822. Her parents, Benoni and Rebecca Morris, were both natives of North Carolina. The former was the son of Mordicai and Abigail Morris, and the latter was the daughter of John and Jemima Trueblood. Mr. and Mrs. Parker
389
CENTER TOWNSHIP.
are the parents of five children, Ella M., Theodore F., Benoni M., Sophia A. and Virginia W., all of whom are living except Ella M., who died in the sixteenth year of her age. Mr. and Mrs. Parker are members of the Friends' Church. In politics, Mr. Parker form- erly affiliated with the Whig party, casting his first vote for Gen. Harrison in 1840. Since 1856 he has supported the principles of the Republican party. His farm contains 260 acres of excellent land, about 200 of which are in cultivation. It contains a handsome residence and good barn, and is one of the most desirable farms in Rush County.
THEODORE F. PARKER, a prominent young farmer of Center Township, was born upon the Old Parker Homestead in that Township, November 21, 1856. He is the oldest son of Philip D. and Joanna Parker, a history of whom is given above. He was reared upon his father's farm, and at about twenty-two years of age he took up the avocation of a farmer for himself, and to this pursuit his entire attention is now given. He was married Sep- tember 6, 1883, to Miss Roie C. Pickering, who was born in the village of Cadiz, Henry County, January 24, 1860. She was the daughter of Marcus A. and Eliza M. Pickering, both of whom were also natives of Cadiz, Henry County. The former was the son of Jonas and Mary Pickering, and the latter was the daughter of William and Nancy Cooper. Mr. and Mrs. Parker are the pa- rents of one child: Morris, who was born December 25, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Parker are members of the Friends' and Methodist Churches respectively. In politics, the former is a Republican.
JOHN F. PECK, a prominent school teacher of Center Township, was born in Hancock County, this State, March 17, 1856. Ile was the son of James and Minerva (Smith) Peck, who were na- tives of Connecticut and North Carolina, respectively, both of English descent. His father was a direct descendant of Captain Wadsworth, who concealed the charter of Connecticut in the oak, and his mother could trace her ancestral lineage back to Captain John Smith. His father was the son of Erastus and Mary ( Lewis) Peck, and his mother was the daughter of John and Prudence Smith. When he was two years old his parents came to Rush County, and settled in the village of Arlington, where the father worked at the trade of a carpenter, and also served as Justice of the Peace, and where our subject was raised. In 1875, the family returned to Hancock County, and located in Carrollton, where our subject made his home with his parents until his marriage. At twenty years of age he took up the vocation of teacher, and this has furnished his winter's employment and the greater part of his summer's employment ever since. He has now taught for
390
RUSH COUNTY.
eleven consecutive winters, five of which were in Hancock County, three in Shelby County, and three in Rush County. He taught in the graded schools of Carrollton four years, during three of which he was principal of the school. He was married December 24, ISSI, to Miss Nannie B. Leonard, who is also a native of Han- cock County, born February 27, 1865. She was the daughter of Rufus B. and Harriet (Eaton) Leonard, who were natives of North Carolina and Indiana, respectively. Her father was the son of John and Levina Leonard, and her mother was the daughter of William and Sarah Eaton. Our subject and wife are the parents of two children: Stella May, born November 16, 1882, and Ralph Waldo, born March 15, 1886. In politics, Mr. Peck is a Republi- can. In October, 1887, Mr. Peck began the publication of an edu- cational monthly, entitled The Little Messenger, which is designed to be a children's paper and which now has a circulation of about 1,000. He is a faithful worker in the school-room and he pos- sesses a rank among the best teachers of the county.
WILLIAM F. REEVES, a substantial farmer and prominent citi- zen of Center Township, was born in Brown County, Ohio, Sep- tember 4, 1827. His parents, Jabez and Nancy Reeves were also natives of the State of Ohio. When William was yet a child but two months old, his parents came to Rush County and located upon the farm he now occupies in Center Township, the father having entered the land from the government. The parents con- tinued upon the same place until the year 1861. In that year they removed to Knightstown, Henry Co., where they still continue to reside. The father is now in his eighty-second year, and the mother in the eighty-third year of her age. They were married on the 26th day of February, 1824, and have therefore lived as husband and wife more than sixty-three years, and though aged as they are, both enjoy good health and bid fair to live for many years to come, to enjoy the fruits and blessings of a well-spent life. The subject of this sketch was reared upon the old home 'place, which he now owns himself, assisting to clear and cultivate the farm in summer and attending district school in winter. At the age of nineteen, he took up the avocation of a teacher, which fur- nished his winter's employment for about five years. Since then his undivided attention has been given to farming. He was mar- ried May 16, 1850, to Hannah M. Gilson, who was born within the present limits of Jackson Township, November 13, 1831, being the daughter of Andrew and Mary Gilson, both of whom were natives of Virginia. They were married in their native state and came to Rush County in 'abcut 1820. Here they both spent the rest of their lives, the father dying in 1832, and the mother in 1841.
-
39I
CENTER TOWNSHIP.
Mr. and Mrs. Reeves have had nine children: Marshal T., New- ton J., Jefferson B., Chester D., Ollie F., Milton O., Isabell A., Girnie L. and Heber F., only four of whom are living. They are Marshal T., Ollie F., Milton O. and Girnie L. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves are members of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. Reeves is a Democrat. He has served his township in the ca- pacity of Trustee one term. He has also served as Justice of the Peace two full terms and was elected for a third term, but resigned before the term expired. He owns a fine farm of 185 acres where he lives, besides another farm of eighty acres in the same township. Their son, Jefferson B., was born September 24, 1855. He studied law and was admitted to the bar, at Columbus, Ind., where he soon won a prominent place in his profession. He was elected a member of the State Legislature in the fall of 188.4, but died before the expiration of his term, his death occurring September 1, 1886.
ABRAHAM RHODES, who has resided in Center Township for the past fifty-two years, was born in Bedford County, Pa., March 20, ISIO. He was the son of Jacob and Catharine Rhodes, who moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, when he was but seven weeks old. He was reared upon a farm in Montgomery County, and was married there early in 1835. The lady who became his wife was Mary Stroup, who was also born in Pennsylvania. Her parents were George and Catharine Stroup. In May following his marriage, Mr. Rhodes came to Rush County, and settled upon the farm he now occupies. His wife died there February 7, 1884. He is the father of twelve children, seven of whom are living. Those living are: Catharine, John, Henry S., Mary Ann, Will- iam F., Nancy J. and Sarah M. And those dead are: Eli, Levina, Elizabeth M., Eliza E. and a girl that died in infancy unnamed. Mr. Rhodes is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he is a Democrat, casting his first vote for Andrew Jackson. Be- sides considerable property he has given to his children, he is the owner of a splendid farm of 220 acres, which contains a handsome residence, and which is in a good state of improvement and culti- vation. He is one of the county's old pioneers, and one of its most highly respected citizens.
HENRY S. RHODES, a native-born citizen of Center Township, was born December 13, 1839, being the son of Abraham and Mary Rhodes, a history of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He was reared upon the old Rhodes homestead in his native township, and continued with his parents until he became of age. On the Ioth day of May, 1860, he was married to Miss Mary A. Ruby, who is also a native of Center Township, born August 10, 1832, being the daughter of Jacob and Mary Ruby, who were natives of
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.